Using Pilates & Physiotherapy for Rehabilitation & Prehabilitation

Sport and Orthopedic Physiotherapist, Emma Jack, contacted me to photograph her newly added Pilates classes, which she will use in her program as ‘prehabilitation’ for her clients. To help get the word out to her prospective and existing clients, Emma ordered our Promotional Business Photography Package and was super happy with the images. After I sent Emma the proofs, she had this to say: “Oh my gosh Julie! I am so happy with these, love them all so much!”

Pilates with Physio

Emma believes that preventing injury is an important part of the of the services she provides her clients and will offer Pilates classes out of @the Barre Pilates Studio. “I have a lot of experience working in football, hockey, golf, and dance and certainly see how that population can benefit from prehabilitation through Pilates,” says Emma.

Emma the Physiotherapist & Pilates Instructor

On top of being a physiotherapist and Pilates instructor, Emma also has advanced training in her field to better serve her clients. “I have done extensive post graduate training to earn my designation as a sport physiotherapist and a second master’s degree in Manipulative Therapy. Having these two designations in combination is very rare and only a handful of physiotherapists in Canada hold both.”

At ReActive Physiotherapy here in London, ON, Emma treats clients ranging from age 8 to 108 for a wide variety of sport and orthopedic injuries. “I would say my average client is someone who cares about their health and knows they need to be more active and engaged in physical activity to age more gracefully.”

Emma continues to work and train to be a better physiotherapist for all her clients. “I am super passionate about helping people on their health journey but also like to work with other professionals in my field to ensure we are always pushing ourselves to use the best available information and techniques. I have had so many great physiotherapists and strength coaches help me on my professional journey and I want to continue to do the same for those behind me.”

Pilates for Injury Prevention

Pilates has a long list of benefits with long term effects on the mind and body. Pilates can be powerful in providing a place for the body to relax, rejuvenate, and release tension. It’s helpful in strengthening your muscles to prevent injury, helps with rehabilitating from injuries, improves posture, and increases flexibility, circulation, and balance.

“A simplified version of Pilates exercises is used to lower the risk of hospital-related deconditioning in older adults. A Canadian study of hospitalized patients over the age of 70 found that those who were given a set of Pilates exercises that could be performed in bed recovered more rapidly than a control group given a set of passive range-of-motion exercises.”1

Pilates is also used as a form of muscle conditioning. “Resistance training, the essence of Pilates, is scientifically proven to create lean muscle and rev up your metabolism to burn calories all day long. Mr. Joe Pilates, the inventor, intended it to be about the art of control, an exercise method where you control your body, mind, and muscles. The moves he designed focus on core muscles in the abs, pelvic floor, lower back, proper alignment of the spine, and awareness of breath.”2

Pilates for You

Whether you’re a Pilates expert, want to try it for the first time or are somewhere in between, visit Emma’s website, Press Play Physiotherapy and set up a private session. Follow what Emma is up to on her Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram page.

About Julie Whelan

Julie Whelan, professional photographer of over fifteen years, has had the opportunity to shoot all over the globe--from capturing portraits in Vanuatu to shooting off rooftops in Maui to photographing products in Calgary. She now finds herself in Ontario photographing outdoor adventures and the active lifestyles of athletic individuals and athletes in competition & training. Julie has also worked with professional athletes such as Don Cherry, Darryl Sittler, and Roberto Alomar. When not behind the lens, Julie likes to unwind with a good book or spending time in the garden.